No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeCosta RicaA Costa Rica Expat's View on Driving in Costa Rica

A Costa Rica Expat’s View on Driving in Costa Rica

Are you tired of driving on smooth, well-maintained roads with clear signage and courteous drivers? Are you looking for a truly thrilling driving experience? Look no further than Costa Rica, where driving is an adventure in and of itself!

First of all, let’s talk about the roads. Potholes, gravel, and uneven pavement are just the beginning. In Costa Rica, you’ll also have to navigate around livestock, bicycles, and pedestrians on the roads, because why not? And don’t even think about using GPS, because the chances of it being accurate are about as good as winning the lottery.

But the real fun begins when you encounter other drivers. In Costa Rica, traffic laws are more like suggestions and drivers are known for their reckless and unpredictable behavior. Tailgating, sudden lane changes, and ignoring traffic signals are just part of the daily driving experience here. You’ll also have to contend with the infamous “pare y siga” or “stop and go” system, where drivers will just randomly stop in the middle of the road for no apparent reason, just for the fun of it.

And let’s not forget about the buses! These massive beasts of the road have a tendency to disregard traffic laws and take up multiple lanes, leaving you to wonder if you’ll ever see your family again.

But don’t worry, the excitement doesn’t end when you reach your destination. Finding a parking spot in Costa Rica is like playing a game of Tetris, where you have to maneuver your car into the tiniest of spaces while avoiding getting hit by other vehicles.

So if you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind driving experience, Costa Rica is the place for you. Buckle up and hold on tight, because it’s sure to be a wild ride!

Please note that this is a sarcastic article and it’s not meant to be taken seriously. Costa Rica has laws and regulations that apply to the traffic, and all the drivers are expected to follow them. The country also has a National Road Safety Council (CONASET) that works to improve the safety on the roads.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Bill Would Bar Uber Drivers From Airport Pickups

Land at Juan Santamaría, open your ride app, and under a bill moving through Costa Rica's Congress there would be no legal ride waiting...

Costa Rica Moves to Widen Extradition of Its Own Citizens

President Laura Fernández asked lawmakers on Monday to widen the narrow list of crimes for which Costa Rica may hand its own citizens over...

Why “Diablo” Got Only Three Months in Costa Rica Custody

A Costa Rican court has ordered three months and 22 days of preventive detention for a man surnamed Arias, known by the alias "Diablo,"...

Costa Rica Pressed to Improve Conditions for Indigenous Coffee Workers

More than 500 people and organizations, among them three former presidents of Costa Rica and Panama, have signed a public statement demanding that the...

Costa Rica Reworks $400 Million Limón Hospital Tender After Failed Bid

Costa Rica's public health system is preparing to relaunch the tender for a new hospital in Limón during the final week of July, seven...

Rare Costa Rica Video Shows Sunbittern Defending Its Ground

Today we meet the sunbittern, a unique bird that’s nearly impossible to see until it screams its presence at you. And the remiges? Don’t...

Costa Rican Sprinter Sherman Güity Ties Record That Stood Since 2015

Costa Rican sprinter Sherman Güity matched the men’s 100-meter T64 world record with a time of 10.61 seconds at the World Para Athletics Grand...

Latin American Players to Watch at the 2026 Cincinnati Open

Latin America will send one of its deepest groups of men’s players in recent years to the 2026 Cincinnati Open, led by established Argentine...

Costa Rica Tax Bill Would Allow Seizures Without Prior Court Approval

The Finance Ministry has asked Congress for the power to order, execute and auction seizures of a delinquent taxpayer's assets without first obtaining permission...
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel